Tios to move into Salsarita's old space on East Liberty Street in downtown Ann Arbor

By June, Tios Mexican Cafe will move from its longtime spot on East Huron Street to East Liberty Street in downtown Ann Arbor, where Salsarita's Fresh Cantina used to be.

Harriet Seaver - who co-owns Tios with her husband, Tim - confirmed the restaurant has signed a lease with McKinley, the Ann Arbor real estate company that owns the building where Salsarita's was located.

A large banner was hung on the building this week, announcing Tios' impending move.

The announcement ends what turned into a public struggle between the Seavers and the city of Ann Arbor over the fate of the eatery. Last year, the city bought the building at 333 E. Huron St., where Tios has been located for more than 20 years, to help make way for the city hall expansion. Tios' lease for the store expires in June.

The city said it would help Tios with the transition, but the Seavers said that didn't happen. Earlier this year, Tios launched a "Campaign to Save Tios," asking customers to pitch in money to help pay for the restaurant's move.

The Ann Arbor City Council has yet to make a formal decision about the future of the property. The city administrator's recommended two-year budget anticipates demolishing the building.